Canada is a prosperous nation. Forget the recession and the global economic downturn. Canada is still one of the most prosperous, wealthy nations around the globe. Don’t believe me? We have houses and televisions hooked up to cable and satellites. You are reading this blog right now on your computer or your smartphone or your iPad. That means you’ve got Internet access, and it’s likely high speed. Odds are, while you’re reading you’re not naked. Or at least, if you are, it’s by choice and not because you have no clothes. Hungry? Look in the fridge. You have a fridge. Is there a Dr Pepper in there? Want to bring me one? You could do that, you’d just have to get in your car.
We are a prosperous nation.
Canada has a reputation for being there when other countries need our help. Our foreign aid is in the billions. When Haiti was devastated by an earthquake, Canada was there. When Japan was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, Canada was there. Our government sent money. Individuals sent money. People organized with their churches, neighbourhoods and communities to raise money. Relief organizations like World Vision and the Canadian Red Cross were on the ground.
When the call for help is made, Canada is always quick to respond.
Slave Lake Alberta has been devastated. There was no earthquake, there was no tsunami. There was a fire. A wildfire that caught everyone off guard. Homes, businesses, even the local radio station burned to the ground. Approximately 7,000 people have been forced from their homes and it’s estimated that nearly half the town has been destroyed.
When there is trouble in the world we are quick to respond. Now there is trouble at home and our response hasn’t seemed to be the same. I’ve heard of no fundraising efforts. Companies like Bell and Rogers have no “Text to Donate” numbers set up, or at least none that I’ve heard of. The story has made the news, but not to the great lengths that other disasters have in the past. Are we really quick to respond to others, but indifferent to reach out to our own? I hope not.
The Red Cross is on the ground in Slave Lake and they will need our help. If you can send $5 or $10 to Japan or Haiti, then I hope you can do the same to assist our own. For more information on all the ways you can help the Canadian Red Cross with their efforts click here.
Donate online now and lets take care of our own.
UPDATE: Text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $5 to the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Slave Lake.